Al-Mady, who earned his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering at the university in 1973, received the degree at a ceremony on Friday. The university had previously honored Al-Mady in 2010 with the Distinguished Engineering Alumni Award as an “influential leader in the energy industry.”

Addressing the university’s students at an Engineering Recognition Ceremony on Thursday, Al-Mady recalled the days when he was an undergraduate student almost 40 years ago, privileged to receive an education at the University of Colorado.

“The lessons I learned here formed my future, not only in my career at SABIC but also my interest in continuing education,” he said.

“Continue to stretch your mind, push yourself to learn and create opportunities that challenge you. Throughout your life you will be amazed at the number of people who will tell you that what you want to achieve is too difficult, not worth the time, fraught with problems. Don’t be dissuaded. Create your vision and pursue it — that is what this wonderful school taught me,” he advised the students.

The University of Colorado–Boulder is the flagship university of the state of Colorado.